For Mayor Mark Holland, the upcoming Rock, Roll and Run 5K is an event he takes to heart.
“I love to stay healthy, but that’s a challenge when you’re mayor,” he said. “Although I’m often ‘running’ from event to event (excuse the pun), my schedule is incredibly busy and doesn’t always leave time for dedicated physical activity. Events like Rock, Roll and Run are a great way to serve as mayor and get some exercise to boot!”
Mayor Holland has enjoyed sports since elementary school, and has always had an active lifestyle, but he understands what an important issue health is in Kansas City Kan.
“We have to improve access to healthy foods, healthy lifestyles and healthy lifestyle options. This event is a great way to promote access to healthy lifestyles,” he said.
The mayor will join other runners and walkers at the first Rock, Roll and Run 5K Walk-Run at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Providence Medical Center Amphitheatre (the former Sandstone amphitheater), 633 N. 130th St., Bonner Springs, Kan. The 5K is followed by a Kids Run at 10 a.m., with a free Community Health Fair hosted by the hospital and YMCA featuring local bands from 8 a.m. to noon.
In addition to the 5K walk and family fun run, Rock, Roll and Run will be an official chip-timed race. This event is sponsored by Providence Medical Center and the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. Proceeds benefit the Providence YMCA-Ball Family Center’s Cancer Survivorship program, as well as the YMCA scholarship program.
“Events like Rock, Roll and Run help spread the word that physical activity is a critical part of staying healthy,” Mayor Holland said. “But more than that, this is a great opportunity to share your passion with our community. If you aren’t a runner, but are looking for a reason to start, I can’t think of a better way to do that than to join hundreds of others on a crisp fall day in Wayndotte County. Can’t wait to see you there!”
Registration forms also are available at any Wyandotte County YMCA location, including 8th St. YMCA, Bonner Springs YMCA and the Providence YMCA-Ball Family Center.
More information, including race registration, is available online at: http://tinyurl.com/RockRollRun.
– Story from Providence Medical Center